Workshop on “Role and Functions of Public Accounts Committee” For the Honorable Committee Members and Officers of Provincial Assembly of the Punjab

December 16, 2019 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the most important Standing Committees in the Parliamentary system of Democracy as it is mandated with the role of Government oversight and scrutiny of budgetary expenses based on the reports of the Auditor General of Pakistan. Therefore, in order to familiarize the honorable Members of the PACs regarding the working and functions of this committee, PIPS has conducted a series of capacity building events for PAC Committee Members and Officers of respective Provincial Assemblies and National Parliament.

In continuation of this initiative, PIPS in collaboration with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) organized a two day event, from December 16-17, 2019 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore for Members and Officers of the Provincial Assembly of The Punjab.

The main focus of the workshop was to stimulate a constructive dialogue on the prevailing challenges and opportunities, audit process, assessment of annual financial statements, International best practices, performance audit, and compliance & follow up on PAC recommendations.

The program commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by welcome remarks by Ms. Samer Awais, Director General PDP & IT (PIPS). Highlighting the purpose of the event, she mentioned the history and significance of Public Accounts Committees in the Parliamentary system of democracy as an important oversight tool. DG Parliamentary Affairs & Research, Mr. Inayat Ullah Lak apprised the Honourable members about the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business for PAC in Punjab Assembly. Honourable member of Provincial Assembly Sindh, Mr. Qasim Soomro expressed his views on how to make oversight effective. He suggested need base assessment in drafting the policy of every department. Afterwards DG District Audit, Punjab, Mr. Ejaz ul Haq gave an overview of Audit Process and shed light on legislation, provisions, annual audit planning, audit procedures, code of ethics and finalization of audit report.

In the afternoon session, DG Accountant General, Punjab Mr. Rana Shahzad and Former DAG Mr. Mohsin Khan discussed in detail “The Assessment of Annual Financial Statements” and talked about directives and guidelines defined for Principle Accounting Officers (PAOs).

On day 2, Mr. Faisal Hayat provided a detailed overview of working of PAC in Westminster System. He briefly compared Performance Audit with Policy Audit and discussed the concept of Super Audit.

Afterwards, a panel discussion on the Role of Performance Audit was held chaired by Former DAG, Mr. Muhammad Akram Khan and Director Audit, Mr. Amir Fayyaz. In the afternoon session, Former Hon’ble Member of National Assembly & PAC Ms. Yasmeen Rehman, and Joint Secretary National Assembly Mr. Khaleeq Ahmed Obhah talked about Compliance and follow up on PAC Recommendations.

Honourable Chaiman PAC and Member Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Mr. Yawar Abbas Bukhari in his concluding remarks appreciated PIPS and WFD for organizing an interactive and knowledge sharing workshop for the members and officials. He suggested that Focal persons should be appointed in order to enhance coordination with district audit officer. He further emphasized that strong committees ensured strengthened parliaments and expressed consensus over working in future to overcome lack of power, performing above party politics and arranging regular sessions for effective performance as a way forward to prosperous Pakistan.

On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.

Workshop on “Role and Functions of Public Accounts Committee” For the Honorable Committee Members and Officers of Provincial Assembly of the Punjab

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